Ready to hit the water for some of Oregon's best fishing? BJ's Guide Service has you covered with this full-day private charter that'll have you chasing after the big three: salmon, sturgeon, and trout. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 8-hour trip is tailored to give you and your crew the best shot at landing some impressive catches. We'll be cruising the Columbia River or nearby spots, depending on where the fish are biting. So grab your fishing buddies, pack some snacks, and let's get after it!
This isn't your average fishing trip - it's a custom-built day on the water just for you and your group. We're talking up to six people, so bring the whole gang. Your guide's got years of experience under their belt and knows these waters like the back of their hand. They'll be adjusting the game plan based on what's biting and where, so you're always in the thick of the action. No need to lug your gear around either - we've got all the rods, reels, and bait you'll need. Just remember to snag your fishing license before you show up, and maybe pack a rain jacket (you know how Oregon weather can be). Oh, and don't forget to bring some grub to keep you fueled up for all that reeling!
Alright, let's talk strategy. Depending on what we're after, we might be trolling for salmon, bottom fishing for sturgeon, or fly casting for trout. If we're chasing salmon, we might be using downriggers to get our lures down deep where the big ones lurk. For sturgeon, it's all about finding those deep holes where these prehistoric beasts hang out - we'll be using heavy tackle and bait to entice these monsters. And if it's trout we're after, we might be drifting with light tackle or even breaking out the fly rods if conditions are right. The Columbia River's got some prime fishing grounds, but don't be surprised if we venture into some nearby tributaries or coastal waters if that's where the fish are schooling up. Your guide's always got an ear to the ground (or water, in this case) for the latest hot spots.
Let's break down the headliners of this fishing show, shall we? First up, we've got the Chinook Salmon, aka King Salmon. These bad boys are the heavyweights of the Pacific salmon world, known to tip the scales at over 50 pounds. They're most active in the Columbia from spring through fall, with peak runs usually hitting in August and September. Chinook are famous for their fight - when you hook one, you'll know it!
Next on the list is Coho Salmon, or Silver Salmon if you're feeling fancy. These guys might be a bit smaller than their Chinook cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in acrobatics. Coho are known for their spectacular jumps and runs that'll have your reel singing. Look for them to start showing up in late summer, with the fishing really heating up in September and October.
Now, let's talk about the dinosaur of the river - the Sturgeon. These living fossils can grow to massive sizes, with some Columbia River sturgeon stretching over 10 feet long! They're catch-and-release only these days, but trust me, the thrill of battling one of these prehistoric giants is something you won't forget. Sturgeon fishing is good year-round, but it really picks up in the late spring and summer months.
Last but not least, we've got Rainbow Trout. These beauties are a year-round target and are loved for their stunning colors and the delicate touch needed to land them. Whether we're casting flies or drifting bait, hooking into a feisty rainbow is always a good time. They might not be the biggest fish in the river, but they more than make up for it with their spirited fights and willingness to bite.
Look, I could go on all day about why this trip is a must-do for any angler, but here's the bottom line: it's all about options. One day you might be battling a chrome-bright salmon fresh from the ocean, the next you could be going toe-to-toe with a river monster sturgeon. And if you're into the finesse game, those trout will keep you on your toes. Plus, with a private charter, you're not stuck following someone else's agenda. Want to focus on one species all day? No problem. Feel like mixing it up? We can do that too. It's your day on the water, and we're here to make sure it's exactly what you want it to be.
Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Oregon's finest fish, now's the time to lock in your date. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with some tasty salmon, test your mettle against a sturgeon, or just enjoy a day chasing trout, this trip's got you covered. Remember, it's a private charter, so you and your crew will have the full attention of your guide all day long. Don't wait too long to book, though - the best dates have a habit of filling up fast, especially during peak seasons. So grab your fishing buddies, circle a date on the calendar, and let's make some fishing memories that'll have you coming back year after year. Trust me, once you've experienced the thrill of Oregon fishing, you'll be hooked for life!
Chinook salmon, or kings, are the heavyweight champions of our Oregon waters. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 50 or more. You'll find them in our coastal rivers and the Columbia from spring through fall, with peak runs varying by river. Chinook prefer deeper water, so focus on holes, seams, and drop-offs. Anglers prize these fish for their powerful fights and rich, flavorful meat. To target big kings, try backtrolling plugs or drifting roe in deeper runs. Early mornings are often best, especially on sunny days when the fish hunker down. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, let it make its first run. Kings often shake their heads violently at first, so giving them some line can prevent early break-offs. Be ready for a battle - landing a big chinook is an experience you won't forget!
Coho salmon, also called silvers, are one of our most popular gamefish here in Oregon. These feisty fighters typically run 8-12 pounds and are known for their spectacular leaps when hooked. You'll find them in our coastal rivers and the Columbia from late summer through fall as they return from the ocean to spawn. Anglers love targeting coho for their hard-fighting nature and rich, orange flesh. They'll hit a variety of lures, but one local favorite is a bright pink or chartreuse jig twitched slowly through deeper holes. Keep an eye out for jumping fish - that's often a sign of a pod moving through. For best results, focus on the early morning or evening bite when the fish are most active. Just remember, these acrobats can throw a hook easily, so keep that rod tip up!
Lake sturgeon are living fossils, virtually unchanged for millions of years. These armored giants can reach 6 feet or more, though most we catch run 3-5 feet. You'll find them in deeper areas of the Columbia, often near the bottom in holes or along drop-offs. Sturgeon fishing is all about patience - they're slow-growing and long-lived, so it's mostly catch-and-release to protect the population. But when you hook one, hang on! Their power is unmatched in freshwater. Best fishing is usually spring through fall, using natural baits like nightcrawlers or squid. Here's a tip: use a heavy-duty circle hook to improve hook-ups and make release easier. The fight alone makes sturgeon worth targeting, but their prehistoric look is something you've got to see to believe. Just remember to handle them gently - these ancient fish deserve our respect.
Rainbow trout are a blast to catch and a favorite among anglers here in Oregon. These colorful fish typically run 8-24 inches and put up an acrobatic fight when hooked. You'll find them in cool, clear streams and rivers, often near riffles or deeper pools. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch rainbows year-round. Folks love targeting them for their spirited nature and tasty meat. To up your odds, try drifting a nymph under an indicator through likely holding spots. When you see one rise, switch to a dry fly that matches what's hatching. Pro tip: Focus on seams where fast and slow currents meet - that's where rainbows like to hang out and ambush food drifting by.
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